I’ve been wrestling with the challenges propositioned by the virtue of Humility for some time now. This journey of discovery has proved to be a rocky road with its fair share of pot-holes, hard knocks and falls which results in bruised feelings, denial and finally much introspection.
Today I attended a retreat day which was facilitated by Maryvale. I ‘m busy working towards a certificate in Catechesis and part of the course demands that we students attend a retreat day. What bliss! To say that I’m happy to be working my way through this course would be an understatement. The course materials, course facilitators and amazing guest priests speakers stretch my thinking, and plant little seeds of knowledge that encourages my Faith to grow little by little and then grow some more. Today’s experience has been no exception to the rule. What never ceases to amaze me is the visiting priest:- his gifts are so unique, so well-developed and authentic that I cannot fail to be inspired by the depth and breadth of his knowledge and not least of all, his love for Christ. Today I met a philosopher… I’ve always wanted to meet a philosopher!…who happens to edit the Catholic magazine, ‘Faith‘. Someone who debates and discusses faith and reason with the likes of Peter Atkins on one hand, and on the other cares for the spiritual well-being of the dying and the infirm at two Catholic hospices in London. He is also someone who will spend his Saturday sharing his wisdom, experience and Faith to the likes of a mere mortal such as I!!!
The humility of these priests is tangible and exemplary. Many of these men have doctorates and have written thesis or have conquered many years of study and yet, I continue to be struck dumb by their ‘ordinariness’. Their focus is on the Lord and His work. That is their job. Their love. And I in turn love and respect them for their dedication in caring for a sinner such as I.
Today I was enticed to think more deeply about what it means to ‘submitting intellect and will to God,’ to, ‘submit freely to the Word…amidst the gales and deluges this life on earth throws in our path’. And then I made the connection: to submit totally to God in everything , everything, is to understand the cornerstone of the mother of the giant of all virtues-
H U M I L I T Y! If I can freely submit my intellect and will to the Word, to God, I’ll be journeying on a well-lit road that leads to love, and freedom from the trappings of the world we live in. How apt I thought, that I’ll celebrate the feast of Christ the King tomorrow with a new understanding of this mega-virtue called humility.
Intellect without Will is dead. The Word needs to be put into action. Holiness involves the Intellect and Will. I seek holiness.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross. Philippians 2: v3-5
1catholicsalmon 
annedesa
/ November 26, 2012What a coincidence that I have been increasingly thinking about humility these days. This was because I am struggling with a quick temper (which is equally quick to recede). I get irritated with people and things very very easily these days. And as I introspect I know that the root of it all is lack of humility. If I think less about myself and what I like or don’t, I would be less affected by what others say or do.
Every day I look at St.Therese as my standard of nothingness. As my hallmark of the love of God and abandonement of self to Him.
I pray that all of us who are struggling to grow in this great virtue may be supplicated with His grace.
1catholicsalmon
/ November 26, 2012What I’ve realised is that if I keep Jesus in everything, look upon the other as Jesus (which is sometimes really difficult to do), it assists in defusing the situation, the way I’m reacting etc. Also, I find when my prayer life is not strong and consistent I’m more prone to my weaknesses.
Great comment, thank you.
annedesa
/ November 26, 2012I am in complete agreement there too – weak prayer life makes my weaknesses strong 😦